Supplemental Learning Material

Member Comments about this Lesson

Couldn't you just play the relative minor scale of the major key and be playing the major pentatonic scale. For example play the F# minor pentatonic scale and it's the same as the A major pentatonic scale.

I understand why the fifth position would be useful at that end of the neck, but for lesson purposes I am wondering why it wasn't taught at the second fret. Like the minor patterns were taught. Great series here by the way and thanks very much Dave!

I was really surprised when David taught that we can just use the position of A minor Pentatonic scale to play A Major Pentatonic scale. His explanation is really clear and understandable. Thank you so much David!

Fantastic! The teaching of the major & minor pentatonic scales has been very clear, concise and opened up a MASSIVE door for my guitar playing - especially over the backing tracks. To 'improv' over the tracks is an absolute joy, really feel I'm progressing. Cheers Dave - muchos respectos mate!

David, you said several times "you'll find this in the minor pentatonics as well" That is a confusing remark that doesn't translate directly into immediate relevancy. I went back and forth between the teaching tool where the go the major in G and minor in A, I understand why the position are numbered as they are. But your remark is unclear in its meaning unless you are saying that at times a position in one key which is minor or major can be identical to a position in another key which is opposite of the major or minor distinction of the other.

Maybe someone on here can help me. I have been having a hard time using the backtrack. I'm not exactly sure how to use it. Do I stick to a mode, play random notes on a scale, ect. Any help would be appreciated.

You need to practice the A major pentatonic shapes from this lesson over this backing track. Be sure that you line up the patterns so the A notes on your fretboard are in the Root note positions designated on the patterns.

I thought I understood this awhile ago, but playing with the backing track is a huge eye opener. You can memorize the position all day, but if you don't know where the Roots are to end your phrases, you sound like crap! I have a lot of work to do. Thanks Dave.

Holy cow! Thanks so much Dave! Just had one of those "ah-ha" moments as to why certain positions of a minor pentatonic sounded so good over a different key (major key)! Your lessons rock! Thanks soo much!

It may be a bit too late for my answer, but the reason the F# minor pentatonic and the A Major scale sound the same/are the same is because they share the same notes. F# minor is the relative minor of A major, thus, sharing its notes. However, the difference in sound comes from the distance and quality the notes share relative to the root.

Very good lesson. Feel like I just unlocked many new possibilities on the fret board. One question. I have watched others use the minor scale with major chords. A bit confused as to when to use minor and major scales. It is suppose to depend on the Key the song is in?

David Wallimann shows how the major pentatonic scale can be used in modal playing.

Length: 11:13Difficulty: 3.0Members Only

About David WallimannView Full Biography
David was born in Aix-en-Provence, South France in 1977. At the age of 15, he picked up the guitar and started developing a true love for instrumental music and composition.

In 1999 he was recognized by Ibanez for his promising musical achievements and received an artist endorsement. That early recognition in David's musical career encouraged him to consecrate more time on crafting his musical art and apply to the school of modern music Artist' in Cavaillon, France. He received a full scholarship there where he graduated with honors.

In 2001, David won first place for the Tal Farlow French national jazz contest which gave him a full paid scholarship to the CMA school of modern music in Valenciennes, France. He graduated specializing in advance guitar with honors.

Following his school years, David spent the next 5 years working with several bands recording, writing and playing shows in France and Belgium. It's during that time that Wallimann was exposed to the world of progressive rock which opened new doors to his musical creativity.

Deep inside the Mind is his first release as a solo artist in which he exposes his Christian faith. The album was well received in the specialized press and was compared several times to some of Frank Zappa's approach to music adding an element of humor to deep subjects.

In 2005 he joined the internationally renown progressive band Glass Hammer based in Chattanooga, TN. He released several studio albums and live DVDs with the band.

David is today working on his next upcoming solo release and is also spending quite a bit of time teaching guitar in his studio and online at JamPlay.

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